Sheila Mac Donald
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Contemporary folk
Status:
Most recent release, Tangle of Trees (2014)
See also:
Sheila Mac Donald's CD Baby page
Comparisons:
Kathryn Williams, Dar Williams
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Sheila Mac Donald makes modern folk in a convincing way. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Recommended first album:
Half-Light
Recordings:
- This Way (2009)
- Half-Light (2011)
- Tangle of Trees (2014)
This Way
Release info:
2009—self-released
Availability:
See Sheila Mac Donald's MySpace page
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Sheila Mac Donald—vocals, backing vocals, guitar
Guest artists:
Raymond Gonzalez—guitars (3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11); lead guitar (1, 5, 7, 10, 13); mandolin (12); keyboards (1, 6, 9, 14)
Pam Kuras—violin (2, 9)
Produced by:
Raymond Gonzalez
Comments:
Sheila Mac Donald makes tranquil yet cool modern folk. She reminds me a little of Dar Williams with some of Kathryn Williams' soft approach thrown in. She rarely raises the tempo, preferring a meandering stillness that speaks volumes. Story-songs like the moving "Grazna" sees her at the top of her game. It's a moving and captivating record. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Half-Light
Release info:
2011—self-released
Availability:
See Sheila Mac Donald's MySpace page
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Sheila Mac Donald—vocals, backing vocals, guitar
Guest artists:
Raymond Gonzalez—guitars (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13); slide guitar (13); mandolin (1, 6, 13); banjo (6, 13); bass (9), keyboards (1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11); percussion (2, 11)
Pam Kuras—violin (2, 11)
Produced by:
Raymond Gonzalez
Comments:
Sheila Mac Donald continues with her soft yet compelling approach to modern folk. She has some amazing songs this time around too. "The Lighthouse Keeper's daughter" is an astoundingly confident and moving opener. Her way of singing without adornment or flashy tricks gets straight to the heart every time. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Tangle of Trees
Release info:
2014—self-released
Availability:
See Sheila Mac Donald's MySpace page
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Sheila Mac Donald—vocals, backing vocals, guitar (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Guest artists:
Raymond Gonzales—guitars (1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12); mandolins (3, 5); banjos (9); piano (7); keys (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11); percussion (3, 8, 9, 11, 12)
Emerald Rae—violin (1, 4, 6, 10, 12)
Produced by:
Raymond Gonzales
Comments:
Sheila MacDonald's folk style is intact on this new record. Her original songs are gently hushed, but carry a deep meaning.
"Orphan" is a heart-wrenching very Celtic-tinged song that she manages well.
"Joe the Mechanic" is a soft, beautiful character study done with her usual flair.
It's a beautiful record. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Thanks to stjarnell@yahoo.com for work on this entry.
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